Computing

Our aims for Computing are in line with those of the National Curriculum aims which are to ensure that all children:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

 

The Computing curriculum is split into three strands: Computer Science; Information Technology; Digital Literacy.

 

The National Curriculum statements for the three strands in each Key Stage are as follows:

Key Stage 1

Computer Science

• Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions.
• Create and debug simple programs.
• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.

Information Technology

• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content.

Digital Literacy

• Recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
• Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

 

Key Stage 2

Computer Science

• Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
• Use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output.
• Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
• Understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.

Information Technology

• Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
• Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.

Digital Literacy

• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/ unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concern about content and contact.

 

PurpleMash has the National Curriculum statements in mind when looking at Computing Progression outcomes from Year 1 to Year 6. Click the link below to see the Computing Progression of Skills inline with the National Curriculum statements.

We use the PurpleMash scheme of work for teaching Computing. Children are taught about Information Technology, Digital Literacy and Computer Science which progresses from Year 1 to Year 6.

 

EYFS also have access to PurpleMash through MiniMash. It enables the younger children to familiarise themselves with a computer and software PurpleMash has to offer.

 

PurpleMash offers a safe online place for children to access Computing lessons in school but also access their PurpleMash account at home. This is a great feature as it enables our teachers to set homework as well as enabling children to show off their school work to their grown-ups. 

 

Along with Computing, PurpleMash has plenty of resources covering most of the curriculum. Children are able to access some of these resources to develop their knowledge or to create beautiful pieces of digital work related to their Class Theme.

 

PurpleMash offers a Tool section where children can access resources to develop their knowledge across parts of the curriculum. These tools are

• English e.g. learn to type with 2Type, write a story with 2Create a Story
• Maths e.g. develop knowledge on spreadsheets with 2Investigate, learn and develop knowledge on charts and graphs with 2Graph
• Coding e.g. learn about and develop knowledge of coding with 2Code, use 2Go for an online version of BeeBots
• Communicating and Sharing e.g. write emails to children in your class or you teacher with 2Email or start a blog on PurpleMash with 2Blog
• Art and Design e.g. children can paint, animate and design objects with 2Paint, 2Animate and 2Design and Make
• Music and Sound e.g. 2Explore, 2Beat, 2Sequence and a something NEW to PurpleMash is Busy Beats

 

PurpleMash also offers games for children from Year 1 to Year 6 covering Maths, Grammar and being able to create your own Logo. 

 

Click the link below to download an overview of the scheme.

Our Computing Curriculum focuses on the progression of skills in the three strands of Computing throughout the year groups. Through the implementation of this Computing Curriculum in our school, the progression of skills from year to year will be evident.

We measure the impact of our Computing Curriculum by:

• discussions with children about their learning (pupil voice).
• questionnaires for staff to be reflective on their own Computing knowledge and skill to ensure maximum impact of the curriculum.
• dedicated staff meetings.
• learning walks.